Trains on track after tricky operation

TERRY HUTSON
ONE OF eight diesel-electric locomotives in a first shipment of 20 on order from General Electric in Brazil, was discharged last week at the FPT in Durban. Because of the complexity of having to place the heavy machines on adjacent railway lines and the need for a deepwater berth because of the ship’s draught, the port’s floating crane was pressed into service as was the deepwater berth at the FPT, first transferring the locos to its own deck and then to shore in an operation that lasted the entire day. The first ten locos have been ordered by Sheltam Grindrod in a US$20 million investment, “because we need them”, according to a Sheltam representative on the dockside who explained that rail business had expanded by 50%. Those from this shipment will go to Randfontein Estates Gold Mine before final distribution probably to various mines. A second consignment is expected during December.